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Hepatitis A Warning Issued for Madonna, Demi, Ashton and Others Who Frequent Socialista in NYC

Feb 22, 2008 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

Hepatitis A was apparently the unwelcome guest at a star-studded party held at a posh New York City nightclub earlier this month.   New York City health officials have reportedly warned Madonna, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and other A-list attendees of star Ashton Kutcher's 30th birthday bash at Socialista that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.  They -- and anyone else who made a visit to  Socialista on three nights in early February -- have been advised to get a Hepatitis A vaccine as a precaution.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection. The virus is found in the stool of infected people, and can be spread if they do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, yellowing of the skin, dark brown urine, loss of appetite and fatigue. Symptoms of Hepatitis A can last from two to nine months. Once someone has been infected with Hepatitis A, there is no real treatment. Usually, bed rest is prescribed, and efforts are made to make the patient’s symptoms more tolerable until the disease runs its course. In some instances, a patient will be hospitalized to treat dehydration or liver problems. Sometimes patients with a severe case of Hepatitis A will require a liver transplant.

According to the New York City Department of Health, a bartender who worked at the West Village nightclub on February 7, February 8 and February 11 has tested positive for Hepatitis A.  Kutcher's birthday party was held at Socialist on February 7.  A health department official told The New York Times that as many as 1,000 other  people might have been at Socialista on those nights.  The restaurant has turned over lists of names from 30 to 40 reservations made on those nights, but the department has not gone through credit card receipts.

Health officials said yesterday the department had learned of the case on Tuesday and on Wednesday had sent an inspector to Socialista, at 505 West Street, between Jane and Horatio Streets. According to the New York Times, the health department issued what it called a “precautionary notification” after the inspector reported that no soap was available for hand washing at the restaurant.

Immune globulin (IG), a preparation of antibodies can prevent Hepatitis A if it is administered within two weeks of exposure.  The New York City Health Department is offering Hepatitis A vaccines to Socialista attendees.  The department will give the vaccinations at Public School 41, at 116 West 11th Street on Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Outbreaks of Hepatitis A have been linked to popular restaurants in the past. The largest Hepatitis A outbreak in US history occurred in Pennsylvania in 2005. More than 500 people contracted Hepatitis A, and three died after eating at a Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant. That outbreak was linked to tainted green onions.